Abstract

In this interview, Kyle-Coles discusses her move to Washington D.C.; the harassment and threat of violence directed at her family as one of the first Black households in their neighborhood; her experiences in the D.C. public schools before and after legal desegregation; working in D.C.; and other topics related to her family’s experiences in D.C. and in Alabama.

Abstract Layne Garrett discusses growing up in a typical household in Tennessee and spending his childhood, visiting family on long road trips to Texas. While interest in music was always present in Layne’s life, it was in high school that exposure to outsider literature and open tuning in guitar brought him to be a part of music projects and pursue creative expression. He reflects on four years of living in a new city in Phoenix after college, where lack of social engagements got him to experiment...

Scope and Contents The focus of this oral history project is, Ms. Beatrice Davis-Williams, who impacted her neighborhood, the arts, and D.C. positively for over 50 years through her community-focused center, The Davis Center. Since 1969, the Davis Center has provided dance instruction and arts-related education to Washington D.C. residents of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Narrators include Davis Center students, parents, community members and others whose lives have been influenced and enriched by Ms....